Jessica Mauboy will be the headline act for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) shared celebration at the Darwin Waterfront on Friday 2 March 2018.

Mauboy will join other Territory artists including Caiti Baker, Natalie Pellegrino and Melanie Grey in the free community celebrations to mark the end of the Territory’s part of the QBR as it makes its way to the GC2018 Opening Ceremony in the Gold Coast.

Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss, said she was delighted with the uptake and participation of the diverse local Territory champions, from the bush to the city and all walks of life, who have been selected to carry the baton in Uluru, Alice Springs, Litchfield, Palmerston and finally to Darwin where the highlight celebration will take place at the Waterfront.

“The event puts Darwin in the national and international spotlight and is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our Territory talent and culture.”

“The Baton Relay throughout the Territory is a great way for Territorians to celebrate the 2018 Commonwealth Games while recognising the achievements of our own local heroes.”

Jessica Mauboy was born and raised in Darwin, where she grew up in a multicultural family – her father Ferdi is of Indonesian descent and her mother Therese is an Indigenous Australian.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to come home and perform for this exceptional celebration of sport, people and cultures,” Territory singer-songwriter, Jessica Mauboy said.

“The Territory is a truly unique place, our multiculturalism, community spirit and pride is second to none. I can’t wait to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with my friends and family in my hometown.”

The event will kick off early from 4pm with free children’s entertainment including GC2018 mascot Borobi performing on stage and roving entertainment including a circus show, giant bubbles, balloon twisting and face glitters.

The Queen’s Baton will arrive at 4.30pm until 5pm, with live music and entertainment to follow until 9pm.

The night will end with the Australian Bruno Mars Show tribute show and a spectacular fireworks finale at 8.45pm.

The event has been delivered in conjunction with City of Darwin and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC).

“I invite everyone to join in this wonderful community event. I’d also love to see people get out on the streets and show support for the relay runners as they carry the baton through Darwin to the Waterfront,” Lord Mayor City of Darwin, Kon Vatskalis said

For full details of the event visit waterfront.nt.gov.au or ‘like’ Darwin Waterfront on Facebook.

The Darwin Waterfront’s Recreation Lagoon and beach area has been temporarily closed to swimmers due to recent weather conditions.

The lagoon is being closed as a precautionary measure after the Darwin Waterfront Corporation received one test result today which indicates a decline in water quality.

The recent extreme heavy rainfall and dense cloud cover is likely to have impacted the water quality conditions in the Recreation Lagoon. Daily testing will be undertaken in order to monitor conditions and the lagoon will reopen when water quality is returned to a high standard.

The Darwin Waterfront Corporation is committed to maintaining the highest environmental practices to protect the users of the lagoon and the marine environment.

Regular tests are undertaken in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council Standards and Department of Health Guidelines.

The Recreation Lagoon’s flushing system continuously pumps fresh sea water resulting in the water being turned over approximately every seven days which will help to improve water quality quickly.

The public will be advised when the Recreation Lagoon is reopened. Until then please heed all signs while ongoing testing is undertaken.

Three exciting new restaurants will soon open at the Darwin Waterfront, further expanding the food and dining offers available within the precinct.

New restaurants; BBQ Tonight and Lime Café are scheduled to open at the Darwin Waterfront by the end of January 2018. These venues will be located either side of the Coffee Club; completing the food and dining strip adjacent to Chow, Fiddler’s Green and Thirsty Zac.

BBQ Tonight will bring Darwinites a true taste of Pakistani and South East Asian cuisines, specialising in charcoal grilled foods packed with flavours.

A third a new feature venue will open its doors by mid-2018 in the large tenancy next to Curve Cafe. The yet to be named restaurant will be opened by a highly respected local Darwin restauranteur and nationally awarded bartender, David Robinson, who owns and runs Hot Tamale and The Coffee Club at the Darwin Waterfront.

“I have always been extremely interested in this site, with its sweeping views of the Waterfront and natural light. It’s just a beautiful location and is driving the inspiration for the venue. While it is still early in the process, we are creating an inviting relaxed space, perfect for our tropical lifestyle, that was really about where we are at it life at the moment,” David Robinson, restaurant owner said.

Further to the three new restaurants; The Precinct Tavern is also investing in a new deck expansion outside the existing venue to expand al fresco dining options.

“It’s positive to see this level of private investment from businesses continue at the Darwin Waterfront,” Samuel Burke, General Manager of the Darwin Waterfront Corporation said.

“The Darwin Waterfront is now enjoying close to 95% retail occupancy – the highest it has been since opening eight years ago.”

“There’s no doubt that the high public amenity, coupled with an exciting year-round events program has made the Darwin Waterfront a destination of choice for locals, visitors and investors.”

“The Darwin Waterfront prides itself as a safe family friendly precinct, and will continue to ensure that it remains the jewel in Darwin’s crown for locals and visitors to enjoy for years to come.”

The Darwin Waterfront’s biggest Australia Day Celebrations will be held on Friday 26 January 2018.

For the first time, a 12 hour line up of activities and entertainment will take place on the lawns from 7am to 7pm.

The day will kick-off with the traditional Australia Day Fun Run in the morning, followed by children’s activities and live music on the lawns.

After the fun run, Ali Mills, a Darwin-based Larrakia woman, renown for her Kriol version of Waltzing Matilda will perform her Gurindji-Kungarakan language (written by her grandfather / great uncle Val McGuinness). Ali will also perform some of her other iconic songs to celebrate Australian and Darwin’s culture including The Arafura Pearls.

There will be plenty of free family fun in the morning until 12noon with waterslides, face glitters, sand art, flag painting, free floating inflatables in the Recreation Lagoon and beach volleyball.

Lions Club of Darwin Nightcliff will also hold a sausage sizzle fundraiser 10am.

Aussie rock legend Angry Anderson, supported by The Coffin Fitz, will perform a free live concert commencing from 12noon. The three-hour show will feature Australian classics such as Bad Boy For Love, We Can’t Be Beaten and Rock n Roll Outlaw. Gary ‘Angry’ Anderson is a well-loved Australian music icon, public speaker, charity worker, motorcycle enthusiast and proud Australian. He holds a Member of the Order of Australia and has been inducted to the star-studded ‘Elvis Wall of Fame’. Angry was the lead vocalist with the hard rock band Rose Tattoo an inductee of the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame.

Live music will be played throughout the day featuring local Territory artists including Scott Murphy, Serena Perch and Stevie Jean.

The Wave Lagoon will open early at 8am, and normal admission fees apply. $18 provides a family of five (two adults and three children) all day entry until 6pm. Big Buoy inflatable water park will also be open from 10am to 6pm and is $15 per hourly session.

Stay for lunch or pack a picnic and enjoy the scenic views of the beach and Recreation Lagoon. The Recreation Lagoon will be fully patrolled by lifeguards from 7am until 7pm on Australia Day.

For more information on the program of events visit www.waterfront.nt.gov.au or like the ‘Darwin Waterfront’ on Facebook.

A jam-packed three weeks of free school holiday activities will be held every weekday at the Darwin Waterfront from Monday 8 January until Thursday 25 January 2018. All activities start at 10am and are programed for two hours.

Join Hyper the Clown every Monday for interactive and fun workshops including a magic workshop, a balloon twisting workshop and a kids disco.

Get wet on the giant slip and slide and double track racer waterslides on Tuesdays.

Wednesdays are for getting active with free bubble sports on 10 & 17 January and AFL AusKick and hockey clinics on 24 January.

For the first time there will be sailing sessions every Thursday. Qualified instructors will assist children to navigate using two small sailing boats which hold two to three people each around the outer Recreation Lagoon. Sailing places are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis with approximate 15 minute trips offered over the two hours. A Nippers program will be run by Surf Life Saving NT in conjunction with the sailing program.

Finally, there’s something for the creative kids, with sand art on Fridays 12 & 19 January. Yenz Entertainment Crew will have over ten different sand art cards to choose from.

All activities are targeted towards primary school aged children from 5 to 12 years. The diverse program enables children to learn new skills and get hands-on while building their self-confidence in a relaxed environment.

The school holiday breaks are a great time for parents and children to get out of the house and reconnect. Parental supervision is required for the Nippers program and encouraged for all other activities.

Patrons are reminded to be sun-smart and bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of drinking water.

An undercover waterproof pavilion will be used for workshops as well as provide a shady spot for family and friends to rest over the school holiday period.

After the school holiday fun, families can stay a little longer and enjoy a picnic or lunch at a nearby café or restaurant and a swim.

The Wave Lagoon is open every day from 10am to 6pm. $18 gets a family of two adults and three kids all day entry, single entry is $5 for children and seniors, or $7 for adults. Alternatively, families can purchase a Darwin Waterfront Membership which includes unlimited entry into the Wave Lagoon and a minimum 10% off at over 30 businesses until 6pm daily for one year, cost is $125.

Families can also enjoy the free Recreation Lagoon, which is fully patrolled by lifeguards from 9am to 6pm daily.

On Friday 26 January, the free fun for families will continue with the Australia Day Celebrations at the Darwin Waterfront. More information on the Australia Day event and activities will be provided soon.

For more information, or to download your free school holiday calendar, visit www.waterfront.nt.gov.au or the Darwin Waterfront Facebook page.

The Darwin Waterfront will be centre-stage this New Year’s Eve, with three headline national acts, local artists, children’s entertainment, food stalls and fireworks displays.

The Choirboys’ Mark Gable, Taxi Ride’s Jason Singh and Australian singer-songwriter Dean Ray – will perform hit singles from over four decades of rock music. The free live concert will please all ages. New Year’s Eve party-goers will revel in the well-loved tunes of ‘Run to Paradise’, ‘Creepin’ Up Slowly’ and ‘Call It A Day’.

Local artists Josh Wyatt and Max Fredricks will be supporting acts, along with the incredible DJ duo Hello Bass & Von Lit who will MC and keep the crowd entertained throughout the evening.

Singer-songwriter, Craig Phillips from Toowoomba, Queensland, will welcome in the New Year after the headline acts with classic alternative and country rock cover songs. Craig’s musicianship style has been inspired by the likes of Eddie Vedder and Kings of Leon.

“The Darwin Waterfront is a world-class location and this popular New Year’s Eve event has grown to attract national media attention, profiling Darwin along with the likes of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Glenelg and Brisbane River,” Local Member for Port Darwin, Paul Kirby said.

“Free events for locals, such as this, play an important role in enhancing the Territory’s unique lifestyle and fostering vibrant communities.

“New Year’s Eve is an important event for our small businesses and restaurants – with thousands of people flocking into the CBD and Waterfront areas each year to view the fireworks and enjoy free live music and entertainment.

“To support the New Year’s Eve Celebrations the Territory Labor Government is again providing free bus services to the city, and NT Police will be vigilantly patrolling the streets to ensure we welcome in a safe 2018.”

Early in the evening, free children’s entertainment including two Nick Jr.’s PAW Patrol ‘Ready for Action’ shows and a meet & greet, face glitters, balloon twisting and roving entertainment will wow the little ones and young families.

Two spectacular ten-minute fireworks displays will light the skies at 9pm and midnight.

Pack a picnic dinner, blanket and chairs and relax on the lawns for an evening of entertainment. There’ll be food and drink stalls and restaurants are taking dinner reservations for the evening. Eskies are welcome, but no glass or alcohol is permitted.

Be sure to bring a poncho in case it rains – the show will definitely go on! There’ll be undercover marquees for party-goers to retreat to should it get a little wet.

Free parking will be available from 4pm to midnight on 31 December 2017 in on-street and off-street parking bays at the Waterfront, including the Kitchener Drive multi-storey car park and the Darwin Convention Centre’s basement parking.

To avoid delays, park in the city and catch the free bus (from the Darwin city interchange) or take the short stroll across the sky bridge and down the glass lift into the heart of the celebrations.

The festivities will continue on New Year’s Day with a free live concert from ‘The Fame Junkies’ band who will perform classics from the 60’s to today’s latest chart topping hits from 12noon to 4pm.

The popular New Year’s Eve event has been made possible with the investment of Toga, Darwin Waterfront Corporation and local Waterfront retailers.

The tropical Darwin Waterfront harbour side will glisten with Christmas cheer every night in December from 7pm to 10pm.

A festive display of lights will be officially turned on this Thursday (30 November 2017 at 7pm).

Follow the trail of luminescent trees through the twinkle palms and woodlands walk. Take a photo by the giant candy canes, get snowed on at Santa’s Snow Station and make a wish at the Christmas tree of lights.

The Christmas fun will continue through the day on Sundays 10 & 17 December 2017 from 11am and 2pm where kids can meet Santa in the Wave Lagoon. There’ll be Christmas tunes, dance competitions, circus fun, games and prizes plus a few treats! Standard Wave Lagoon entry fees apply.

From 1 to 21 December 2017, children aged 14 years and under, can enter the Darwin Waterfront and CBD’s Christmas colouring-in competition or complete the Christmas trail question for a chance to win a Darwin Waterfront Membership (family pass) or boutique dollars. Entry forms for the Christmas trail and colouring-in competition can be downloaded from the website or collected at the Waterfront or Smith Street Mall.

Get a Christmas gift which will treat the whole family or a Waterfront-lover with year-round Waterfront fun and benefits. A Darwin Waterfront Membership offers 12 months of unlimited access to the Wave Lagoon, 30% off Big Buoy Water Park and a minimum 10% off at over 30 businesses. The Membership is priced at $125 for a family, $50 for an adult, $30 for a child and $20 for seniors.

For more info about Christmas at the Waterfront visit waterfront.nt.gov.au or follow ‘Darwin Waterfront’ on Facebook.

Don your Santa Suits and be a clause for a cause this Sunday at Variety NT’s Santa Fun Run.

You can run, walk, roll, skip or sleigh along the 2km Santa Fun Run route this Sunday 26 November 2017. The event starts at the Darwin Convention Centre and finishes in the Darwin Waterfront parklands. Registrations open from 7am, and the race starts at 8am.

Welcome in the silly season and raise much needed funds for Variety NT – a children’s charity committed to empowering Australian children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs. All money raised from the event stays in the NT to support local kids and families.

“It’s a great way to get into the spirit of the Christmas and kick off the celebrations for the festive season,” Donna Kingston, Community Engagement Coordinator from Variety NT said.

“This year we have a new line-up of entertainment and activities including stilt walkers, a winter snow dome, a kids DJ, Christmas story telling with elves, inflatables in the Recreation Lagoon, selfie photo booth and face painting.”

“There’ll be free Lo Castro ice-cream and the Sunday Territorian newspaper at the end of the event.”

“Santa will arrive in a fire engine and have plenty of treats for the kids!”

“We are expecting around 400 Santas to flock to the Waterfront this Sunday and create a jolly sea of red and white.”

Santa suits are provided but participants are encouraged to bring their own creative Christmas flare to their Christmas outfits; and there are great prizes up for grabs for those that do.

Prizes up for grabs on the day include:

Two nights’ accommodation at Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront including breakfast.

The Territory’s first completely ticketless car park has now commenced operating at the Darwin Waterfront.

The new parking technology at the multi-storey on Kitchener Drive provides an easier, quicker, more streamlined and convenient parking for patrons without the need to collect any paper ticket.
Parking fees remain unchanged and users can still enjoy the first two hours free.

Using number plate recognition from multiple high definition cameras, the system allows customers who have spent less than two hours parked to drive directly out of the car park, and the exit gates will automatically open.

Customers who have stayed longer than two hours can pay conveniently by credit card at the exit gate.

Cash payments will still need to be made at the pay station where the vehicle’s registration will need to be entered. There are no more fees for lost or damaged tickets.

Three hours free parking will soon be offered to Darwin Waterfront Members. A Darwin Waterfront Membership entitles pass holders to exclusive deals including car parking and a minimum 10% off at over 30 Waterfront businesses every day until 6 pm.

Kitchener Drive Multi-Storey Car Park charges:
Park up to 2 hours – FREE
Up to 3 hours – $2
Up to 4 hours – $4
Up to 5 hours – $9
Up to 6 hours – $13
Up to 7 hours – $15
Up to 8 hours – $17
Up to 9 hours – $19
Up to 10 hours – $21
Up to 11 hours – $23
Up to 16 hours – $33
Up to 24 hours – $33

The Darwin Waterfront will be centre-stage this New Year’s Eve, with three headline national acts, local artists, children’s entertainment, food stalls and fireworks displays.

The Choirboys’ Mark Gable, Taxi Ride’s Jason Singh and Australian singer-songwriter Dean Ray – will perform hit singles from over four decades of rock music. The free live concert will please all ages. New Year’s Eve party-goers will revel in the well-loved tunes of ‘Run to Paradise’, ‘Creepin’ Up Slowly’ and ‘Call It A Day’.

Local artists Josh Wyatt and Max Fredricks will be supporting acts, along with the incredible DJ duo Hello Bass & Von Lit who will MC and keep the crowd entertained throughout the evening.

Singer-songwriter, Craig Phillips from Toowoomba, Queensland, will welcome in the New Year after the headline acts with classic alternative and country rock cover songs. Craig’s musicianship style has been inspired by the likes of Eddie Vedder and Kings of Leon.

“The Darwin Waterfront is a world-class location and this popular New Year’s Eve event has grown to attract national media attention, profiling Darwin along with the likes of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Glenelg and Brisbane River,” Local Member for Port Darwin, Paul Kirby said.

“Free events for locals, such as this, play an important role in enhancing the Territory’s unique lifestyle and fostering vibrant communities.

“New Year’s Eve is an important event for our small businesses and restaurants – with thousands of people flocking into the CBD and Waterfront areas each year to view the fireworks and enjoy free live music and entertainment.

“To support the New Year’s Eve Celebrations the Territory Labor Government is again providing free bus services to the city, and NT Police will be vigilantly patrolling the streets to ensure we welcome in a safe 2018.”

Early in the evening, free children’s entertainment including two Nick Jr.’s PAW Patrol ‘Ready for Action’ shows and a meet & greet, face glitters, balloon twisting and roving entertainment will wow the little ones and young families.

Two spectacular ten-minute fireworks displays will light the skies at 9pm and midnight.

Pack a picnic dinner, blanket and chairs and relax on the lawns for an evening of entertainment. There’ll be food and drink stalls and restaurants are taking dinner reservations for the evening. Eskies are welcome, but no glass or alcohol is permitted.

Be sure to bring a poncho in case it rains – the show will definitely go on! There’ll be undercover marquees for party-goers to retreat to should it get a little wet.

Free parking will be available from 4pm to midnight on 31 December 2017 in on-street and off-street parking bays at the Waterfront, including the Kitchener Drive multi-storey car park and the Darwin Convention Centre’s basement parking.

To avoid delays, park in the city and catch the free bus (from the Darwin city interchange) or take the short stroll across the sky bridge and down the glass lift into the heart of the celebrations.

The festivities will continue on New Year’s Day with a free live concert from ‘The Fame Junkies’ band who will perform classics from the 60’s to today’s latest chart topping hits from 12noon to 4pm.

The popular New Year’s Eve event has been made possible with the investment of Toga, Darwin Waterfront Corporation and local Waterfront retailers.

The bus will operate at peak lunch and dinner times; from 11.30 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm.

The new service will improve connectivity around the precinct, linking Stokes Hill Wharf, the Cruise Ship Terminal, residential apartments, hotels and various other precinct attractions.

“As the Darwin Waterfront Precinct continues to grow, it’s important that we make it as easy as possible for people to move around the area and access all the services available,” Samuel Burke, General Manager of the Darwin Waterfront Corporation said.

“Improving connectivity is an important priority for the Waterfront and broader Darwin CBD, the Corporation has found efficiencies within its existing operational budget to provide this new service in response to the needs of our visitors and stakeholders.”

“The Darwin Waterfront has previously trialled a ‘park and ride’ service to Stokes Hill Wharf which carried over 23,000 passengers from July to December 2016.”

“Given the success and uptake of this service in the past, we are excited to provide an all-encompassing route which will properly connect the Waterfront precinct during peak times in comfort and ensure we remain one of the best places for locals and tourist to visit and enjoy all year.”

Eight bus stops are clearly identified with yellow signage at locations around the precinct.

Everyone is welcome to use the service. The rules to ride are the same as the rules on public transport.

“The NT Government is committed to a vibrant CBD and is continuing to listen to the needs of businesses and patrons who have requested better connectivity in and around the Waterfront precinct,” Local Member for Port Darwin, Paul Kirby said.

“Initiatives such as this make a visit to the Waterfront much more comfortable and easy, particularly in the hotter and wetter months of the year.”

“The ‘park and ride’ concept is one which has been successfully used around the world and allows connectivity over large areas, as well as transport convenience for visitors including cruise ship passengers.”

“Residents, hotel guests and those in short-stay apartments can now catch the bus to the wharf or Deckchair Cinema and return home safe as well as continue to catch public bus routes into the CBD and beyond. For those in the CBD, it’s a five-minute walk over the sky bridge and you can catch the new shuttle at the pick-up point on Kitchener Drive (near the Coffee Club).”

To find view the bus schedule and for more information about the Darwin Waterfront visit waterfront.nt.gov.au

Almost one hundred performers will take the stage to showcase traditional and modern entertainment from angklung and bamboo percussions to kulintang and wooden xylophone and the Ambon group band. The night will feature East Nusa Tenggara folk dances from Indonesian.

This is the fourth year that Pesona Indonesia has been held as its own standalone event, and has become a fixture of Darwin’s successful cultural events calendar.

The festival is scheduled annually on the Saturday of the Picnic Day long weekend, as the date is close to Indonesia’s Independence Day on 17 August.

“The Northern Territory and Indonesia’s strong ties, connection and relationship between the two countries make us proud to be both Australian and Indonesian,” Lydia Gawa, Event Organiser, from Balai Indonesia Inc said.

“Indonesia’s strong influence on the Darwin’s culture is unquestionable, and with our similar laid back lifestyle and climate it’s no wonder that we have a natural connection.”

“Traditional Indonesian food has become a stable for many Darwin locals who regularly enjoy satays and laksas more so than our southern counterparts.”

“Pesona Indonesia gives Darwin locals and visitors an opportunity to experience the Indonesian culture without having to get on a plane overseas; instead we’re bringing it to your doorstep.”

“The event bridges cultural understanding, while also about instilling a sense of cultural pride within our younger generations.”

A playground will be added to the growing list of exciting offers and things to do at the Darwin Waterfront.

The Corporation has procured a playground to fit within the unique seaside precinct.

The ‘seafront’ playground is a customised rope play piece combined with boardwalk structures and includes a slide, a rope course, tunnels, a mini climbing wall, a pod swing and a balance trail.

The rope games are mounted on undulating shapes; children can slide, climb, crawl and swing their way around the play equipment and experience the feeling of braving the waters of a rough sea.

The playground will be situated between the Coffee Club and Trampoline Gelato under the natural shade of rain trees, close to an existing footpath linking businesses and other attractions. Structural elements of the playground will be used for subtle lighting at night, ensuring an artistic feel.

“The Corporation has received feedback from visiting locals, tourist, businesses and residents that support the inclusion of a children’s playground within this lifestyle precinct,” General Manager of the Darwin Waterfront Corporation, Samuel Burke said.

“The play equipment caters for children between two to eight years of age and provides another offer for parents of young children to enjoy when they come to the Darwin Waterfront. We expect that it will extend the length of stay for our existing visitors and hopefully attract more families to this iconic Darwin precinct.”

The play equipment compliments the existing water recreation facilities, free WiFi and numerous surrounding businesses including restaurants, cafes, takeaways and retail.

Works by Local company, NT Sports & Playground Surfacing, commenced this week and the playground is anticipated to be completed and ready for use by mid-August 2017.

Get the kids out of the house and down to the Darwin Waterfront these school holidays with a four week program of free activities every weekday from 10 am.

The free school holiday program starts on Monday 26 June 2017 and will run until Friday 21 July 2017. Activities include come n try soccer, Aus Kick, archery, bubble sport, circus workshops, waterslides and a silent disco.

In celebration of NAIDOC Week there will also be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag painting, and sand art for kids using Aboriginal artwork designs.

In addition, as part of the Trucking Australia 2017 Conference, the Australian Trucking Association is opening their Volvo Safety Truck from 10 am each weekday for the duration of the school holiday period. The truck will be parked at the front of the Darwin Convention Centre, and is free for families to visit and learn about road safety.

All activities are targeted toward primary school children aged from 5 to 12 years. The activities are free and no bookings required.

Patrons are reminded to be sun-smart and bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of drinking water.

Families can and enjoy the magic of a moon-lit cinema with free movie nights on the first three weekends including:

• Saturday 24 June 2017 – Trolls (PG)

• Sunday 2 July 2017 – Moana (PG) (a NAIDOC Week initiative)

• Saturday 8 July 2017 – The Secret Life of Pets (PG)

Movies commence upon dark, patrons are advised to arrive at 6.30 pm for a 7 pm start.

The Wave Lagoon is another great option for all ages and open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. The newly released Wave Lagoon Annual Pass provides a family of two adults and three kids with unlimited all day entry and a minimum 10% off at over 30 businesses until 6 pm for the special introductory rate of $125 per family.

Families can also enjoy the free Recreation Lagoon, which is fully patrolled by lifeguards from 9 am to 6 pm daily.

Big Buoy Water Park in the Recreation Lagoon will be open every day. One hour sessions are $15 or 30% off this standard rate if you hold a Wave Lagoon Annual Pass. The new water park which opened last month includes a climbing cube, multiple slides, launching pillow and more. Adult supervision is required for children under 11 years of age. For more information or to book ahead visit www.bigbuoy.com.au

For more information, or to download your free school holiday calendar, visit www.waterfront.nt.gov.au or the Darwin Waterfront Facebook page.

Improvements will be made at Stokes Hill Wharf’s car park to increase car parking from 88 to 150 spaces for patrons to continue enjoy this iconic tourist and dining attraction.

Large buses and coaches will continue to be able to access the wharf following the improvements.

Works will commence next Tuesday 20 June and finish Friday 23 June during which time the wharf car park will be closed but all businesses will remain open.

Contractors will work for extended periods to complete all required works within a short four day period to ensure disruption is as brief as possible during the peak season.

A free shuttle bus will operate between Indo Pacific Marine and the wharf from 9.45 am to 10 pm daily; and free all day parking will be provided at all Stokes Hill Road off-street parking during the works.

Following the improvements parking at the wharf will remain free, but limited to a maximum of 3 hours and further limited to 2 hours (between 4 pm to 9 pm), including public holidays.

The Corporation will also introduce a daily free Waterfront Shuttle to regularly connect visitors between the hotels, Waterfront precinct businesses, residents and Stokes Hill Wharf.

“Last year the Corporation redesigned access to the wharf as a trial to allow for large coach buses and larger car parking spaces. This was successful with the likes of the Big Bus Darwin (Double Decker Bus) now servicing this iconic attraction, carrying 40 000 visitors per annum,” General Manager, Samuel Burke said.

“The wharf is incredibly popular with tourists and locals, the feedback received is that more carparks are critical for local retailers and some parking time limitations are needed to ensure availability of car parks during peak times.”

“We have listened and responded with a new car park design to meet the changing needs of our stakeholders including food retailers, harbour cruises, tour operators and attractions who operate from the wharf.”

The Corporation is committed to retaining the Waterfront’s position as the destination of choice for visitors and will continue to work with all stakeholders to make it the best place in Darwin to meet, dine, enjoy, stay and experience.

Jump on board!

The second stage travels within a pedestrian environment around the Darwin Waterfront Precinct in the comfort of an air-conditioned, 12 passenger, zero-emission driverless vehicle.

The daily service operates continuously between 12pm and 2pm at Darwin Waterfront linking the glass observation lifts, Recreation Lagoon beach area and shops including Trampoline Gelato and Crepe Escape/Oyster Bar.

You are welcome to jump on board to experience this technology, learn how the vehicle uses various sensors to scan its environment as the vehicle positions itself using sensors, navigates on the predefined route network and stops at the stations defined.

A fully trained operator is on board the vehicle during the trial to monitor conditions and to ensure passenger safety at all times.

This trial is just a glimpse into the possibilities of future passenger transport and we welcome you to provide your feedback after your journey via the online survey.

Thank you for taking part, please enjoy your time at the Darwin Waterfront.

About the trial

In December 2016, the Northern Territory Government announced that a glimpse into the potential future of transport will be commencing in Darwin.

Stage 1 of the trial allowed members of the public to experience a ride on the EasyMile EZ10 autonomous vehicle linking Indo Pacific Marine to Stokes Hill Wharf. The location was chosen along a public road environment where demand exists for a transport solution to help ferry visitors between locations for dining, retail, recreation and business.

Stage 2 now explores the capability of this technology operating within a pedestrian environment linking the glass observation lifts, Recreation Lagoon beach area and shops.

Known as the ‘Driverless Bus’ this fully electric vehicle can also accommodate people with reduced mobility including wheelchairs and prams. Once only thought of in the imaginations of movie producers, this cutting edge technology is real and provides a potential future transport solution.

The Territory Government has joined Singapore, Dubai/UAE, France, Netherlands, California and Japan to actively develop and assess autonomous transport solutions. This is an opportunity to learn more about automated vehicles and see first-hand how they can be utilised to provide a transport solution, as well as consider the potential for this technology.

Ultimately, the vision is for this technology to connect our beautiful tropical city a convenient and economical way.

The government wants feedback from passengers about their experience riding the bus. All passengers who ride the bus will be asked to complete a survey to help provide information to assist in assessing the success and outcomes of the trial. This will help inform future decisions about how the technology might be considered and used.

More information about the project visit www.dipl.nt.gov.au/transport/driverless-bus